Oxford's best known bookseller, Blackwell UK, has announced the sudden departure of its chief executive.

Vince Gunn declined to reveal what he intended to do next, but said he was seeking new challenges and his plans might include activities in Oxfordshire.

He said: "I am full of admiration for the new chief executive, Andrew Hutchings, and for the chairman, Stephen Harlow.

"I think Blackwell is such a well-established brand that it is punching above its weight."

Mr Gunn recently announced plans to introduce the first instant book printing machine to Blackwell, which has this year won both the Retail Book Chain of the Year and Bookselling Company of the Year awards.

Mr Harlow said: "Blackwell Ltd confirms that by mutual agreement Vince Gunn, chief executive officer of Blackwell UK Ltd, has decided to leave the business."

Mr Hutchings becomes chief executive of both the retail arm, Blackwell UK, and of the library supplier, Blackwell Book Services.

Mr Harlow added: "We would have been happy to work with both people but then circumstances arose which brought about changes. But there is no smoking gun here. On a personal level, I am sorry to see Vince leave."

After joining Blackwell's Oxford office in 1987 Mr Hutchings became managing director of the libraries business in March 2005 and Blackwells Book Services UK chief executive in 2007.

A Blackwell statement read: "Andrew has also been pivotal in moving Blackwell Book Services into new technology for the procurement of e-books and electronic content."